Srinagar, June 11 : A delegation of Kashmiri pandits visiting the valley in connection with Meala Kheer Bhawani called on Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his Nigeen residence on Tuesday.

The delegation was led by Satish Kumar and Nathil Razdan who said they are a group of ordinary Kashmiris and not affiliated with any organisation, a Hurriyat (M) spokesperson said in a statement issued.

He said the members of the delegation told Mirwaiz that they and hundreds like them are extremely eager to return to their homeland and seek his help in this regard.

“They said that they do not want to live in separate and segregated colonies as is being suggested by authorities but like in the past want to live among all in common neighbourhoods,” he said.

They said that as land prices are much higher than before, they would not be able to afford individual plots and homes, so they suggest that in each district of the valley some land may be allocated to them where they can build affordable flats in which they can live, the spokesperson said adding that the members of other communities can also buy flats there if they want and that they do not want segregation but want to live together.

“The delegation told Mirwaiz that they being a part and parcel of Kashmir society and its composite ethos are as much pained by what is happening here as their Muslim brethren. They said that many claim to represent them, but in reality most are exploiting there situation and there deep emotional desire to come back, rather than doing much about it,” he said.

Mirwaiz told the delegation that he empathises with their pining to return and assured them that all Kashmiri Muslims want them to come back and live together as before, as Kashmir belongs to them as much as it does to those who did not leave.

“He assured them of all help and assistance in there suggestion which he said he found sincere and sensible. He said he will help in building a consensus around it among all segments of people and will try to bring others on board,” the spokesperson said.

At the end of the meeting, it was decided that members of the delegation will stay in touch with the Mirwaiz and work on the idea to concretise it and take it forward, the spokesperson said. 

Shopian 11 June : A delegation of Fruit Growers Association Shopian today met District Development Commissioner Shopian Dr Owais Ahmad here at DC Office.

On the occasion, Delegation presented a bouquet as a token of appreciation and gratitude to the the DDC and thanked the government for the announcement of Rupees 15 crores by Chief Secretary for the early completion of fruit Mandi Aglar . Association praised the efforts of DDC and expressed that it was a long pending demand of the region.

Shopian11 June 2019: Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Dr Owais Ahmed today felicitated Aadil Ahmad Bhat for his performance in NEET exams here today.

While congratulating, Deputy Commissioner wished him all the best and motivated him to work hard to achieve his goal in life. He said that the students should work hard and try to do their best in whatever field they have interest in. He further said that the hardworking students like Bhat have always brought laurels to the district in particular and to the State in general.

Aadil Ahmad Bhat son of Nisar Ahmad Bhat belongs to a middle class family of the district Shopian has secured 583 marks in the NEET exam.

Suhail Khan

Sopore, June 11 : A gunfight broke out between militants and government forces in Sopore village of Baramulla district in north Kashmir on Tuesday after several hours of siege.

Reports reaching GNS said that a joint team of army’s 22 RR, CRPF and SOG cordoned off Wadoora of Sopore area today morning.

After day long siege, the joint team intensified the searches and fired some gunshots towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants opened fire leading to an encounter, they said.

SSP Sopore Javeed Iqbal also confirmed that the contact has been established with the hiding militants.

He said that earlier the cordon-and-search operation was launched in the area following specific information about the presence of some militants.

When reports last came in the firefight was going on. (GNS)

Srinagar, June 11 : A- 50-year old man who was working in Irrigation and Flood Control Department died on Tuesday after falling from an under-construction building in Gandebral district of central Kashmir, officials said.

Reports reaching said that Zafarullah Bhat (50) son of Mohammed Maqbool Bhat, of Tulumulla Ganderbal fell from the 2nd storey of the under construction building in Tulumulla.

Bhat, working as supervisor in Irrigation and Flood Control Department was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he breathed his last later, they said.

A police officer also confirmed the death of the man. (GNS)

Raja Bilal

Srinagar, June 11 : A 3-year-old boy drowned after slipped into a nallah in Beerwah area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday.

Reports reaching said that the boy Amir Ahmad Bhat (3) son of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Waragam Beerwah slipped into the nallah on Monday evening when he was playing with other kids.

Soon after the incident, the family and neighbours immediately removed him to nearby by PHC Hardpanzoo where he died later.

A police officer also confirmed the death of the boy. (GNS)